When They Cry

Abandoned by her husband even after he was released from prison, she did not know where to turn or even how to make ends meet. What were her options as a single mother in rural Africa without an education or skills? The stigma of being alone must have been oppressive, but trying to find a way to pay rent was overwhelming.

This is a common issue for many women in Uganda who have been widowed or abandoned, leaving them helpless and sometimes even homeless. Her landlord had no mercy, after all, he had his own expenses to cover and probably many renters facing similar situations. It was not long before she and her children were evicted from their one-room rented home, alone and abandoned once more. The shame this little family faced as a result is difficult to comprehend.

But thankfully, God’s mercy came through their loving church who paid for a place for them to rent. While they finally had a place to live, there simply was not enough food to sustain them. When our Ugandan Hope Africa staff heard that this sponsored child’s family was suffering, they stepped in to provide food, demonstrating the love and compassion so greatly needed.

As we learn of these stories, we are reminded how extremely important sponsorship is in the lives of our children and their families. This child is being given opportunities he would never have without sponsorship…opportunities to reach his potential and to then impact his own family and his community. As he grows up in Hope Africa, he will most importantly learn what love truly looks like and how to show mercy and compassion to others in their deepest times of need.

“For He will deliver the needy when he cries, the poor also, and him who has no helper. He will spare the poor and the needy.” Psalms 72:12-13